What can you make with it?
The airplane launcher is just one of the many fun projects you can create with our Inventor's Kit. You will also learn how to make:
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...and that's only the beginning!
What Makes Our Design Great?
Our design evolved after several iterations based on input and observations from real users. We wanted to understand how non-technical users approached the task of learning a new skill. We wanted to know how elements of the kit made non-technical users feel.
From our observations, we neutralized characteristics that triggered negative emotional responses, then we accentuated those that engendered a more positive response.
The results are culminated in the product below.
Looks Like a Book
Easier to access and see means it'll be used more often which translates to greater value.
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Portable Workspace
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Preserves Your Work
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Messy Cables Kept Out of Sight
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Organized Storage Compartments
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did you come up with the idea?
Something clicked for me when I saw expressions of fear and confusion on the faces of two new interns who had just opened a well-used arduino kit. I quickly grabbed a marker and a white board and asked the interns to describe what they were feeling. I actually took a picture of it. Here it is!
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It was then I realized that I'd been looking at developing my new kit the wrong way. I had been concentrating on what things should go in the box. Instead, I should have been asking how the box and they way it is organized makes people feel when they use it.
Q: What’s in the kit?
The kit will come with the following 245 parts:
- 1X 30cm USB cable
- 1X Arduino-compatible microcontroller
- 1X Acrylic developers plate
- 1X Step-by-step project guide booklet
- 1X USB Thumb drive (2GB) loaded with programs, software, docs, and source code
- 1X Servo SG90 for RC toys
- 1X Temperature sensor
- 1X 9v AA Battery Connector
- 1X Integrated Circuit 8-bit Shift Register
- 1X Piezo Element (Buzzer Magnetic)
- 2X Stackable trays
- 2X 6/9v DC Motor
- 4X 4-40 3/8" machine screws
- 8X 4-40 hex nuts
- 1X Small screwdriver
- 4X Transistors
- 5X Trimmer Potentiometer with Knob
- 10X Tactile push button switch
- 12X 1N4004 Diode
- 10X RGB 5mm LED light 4-pin
- 12X Yellow 5mm LED light
- 12X Red 5mm LED light
- 12X Green 5mm LED light
- 12X 400 PT Breadboard (clear plastic)
- 20X Dupont Jumper cables 20cm (Assorted colors) male-to-male
- 20X Dupont Jumper cables 20cm (Assorted colors) female-to-male
- 40X Dupont Jumper cables 10cm (Assorted colors) male-to-male
- 25X 330 Ohm Resistors
- 25X 10K Ohm Resistors
Q: What is the recommended age group?
We suggest 10 - 110 years of age. But if you're 112, we won't get in your way. This is just a suggestion. I personally have a 5-year-old daughter who loves to help me with my projects.
Q: What can I make with it?
The kit comes instructions for creating a variety of simple electronic games, a musical keyboard, and other projects.
We plan to release 20 fun online instructional videos that will keep stretching your imagination and challenging your skills.
Q: How does it work?
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The process of creating a project is simple.
- Place the desired electronic parts on the breadboard according to project instructions, then connect them to the microcontroller using the cables provided.
- Connect one end of the USB cable included to the microcontroller.
- Connect the other end to your computer.
- Using the software included, write the code telling the controller what to do and install that code on the controller.
Q: Do you need a computer to make it work?
Yes and No. You'll need a computer to write the code and upload it to the controller. But once you have the code installed, your controller doesn't need to be connected to your computer for power. Use the provided battery pack to make your project function on its own.
Q: Will it work on my computer?
The software runs on most Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. Check here for more information.
Current Status and Next Steps
Our venture is self-funded. We have evidence of demand for our product. We're hosting this campaign to validate demand for our product and raise the funding to cross the finish line.
What We've Achieved
- Defined kit contents
- Sourced and procured enough components to fill 100 kits
- Tested the setup process on multiple Windows and Mac operating systems
- Compiled comprehensive set of necessary device drivers.
- Developed our package design
- Designed our custom developer plate and engraving process
- Conducted workshops with new users
- Procured a graphic design for our product that appeals to the masses
- Produced 2 high quality instructional videos
- Designed, prototyped, and tested a kick ass paper airplane launched
- Identified supplier candidates for our packaging and components
- Completed the outline and some graphics content for our project manual
What's Left?
- Finish producing the content for the project manual that will be included in every kit.
- Make digital design content for the airplane launcher available to the public for free
- Validate quality and reliability of our supplier candidates
- Order the first production run of our boxes
- Order first run of our project manuals
- Manually pack the first 100 kits with our existing supplies
- Update our web site to provide instructional videos for starter kit projects
- Begin product development for our next product, Volume II.